Why Do I Really Need to Get Certified?

(Seriously, I still don’t get it.)

I'll be honest: as a developer, then a tech lead, and now an architect, I still don’t fully understand why certifications are such a big deal. Sure, I get that it might give a little boost of confidence to recruiters—like showing an ID to prove you’re over 18. But beyond that surface-level validation, is it really proof of competence?

Don’t get me wrong; I have nothing against certifications themselves. They have some value, especially in validating theoretical technical knowledge. For example, a certification in server management or app development probably proves I know my way around a computer and a programming language. But does it prove I can actually create a robust, scalable, high-performance application that meets specific client needs? Not really. Certification confirms "I know concepts", not "I know how to apply them creatively and practically".

Certification: A Toolbox, Not the Building

Imagine someone hands me a toolbox filled with top-notch tools. Sure, I can recognize each tool, and maybe I can even explain how they work. Hooray, I’m certified! But does that mean I can actually build a house? Or worse, does it guarantee that I’ll build a beautiful house that won’t collapse at the first gust of wind? Not at all.

A certification is a bit like that toolbox. It shows you I know how to use the tools. But it says nothing about what I’m going to do with them.

Most certifications are very much “express delivery” – you learn quickly how to pass a test, usually based on highly theoretical, sometimes unrealistic, scenarios. Rarely do they test the complex challenges we face daily in real-life projects. And that’s where the problem lies.

Real Skill Is in What You Do With It

Take software development, for example. Knowing how to use a technology like Docker or Kubernetes is one thing, but knowing how to integrate it into a complex environment with dozens of microservices interacting, where CI/CD pipelines have to work seamlessly, and where security, scalability, and performance are critical… that’s a whole different world. Certification doesn’t teach you that.

In reality, what makes the difference is experience, the ability to solve concrete problems, to make informed decisions under pressure, and to work with teams to move a project forward. Certification guarantees none of that.

A great developer or architect is someone who knows how to adapt, find innovative solutions, and handle unpredictable situations. A good example is the architect who knows that a particular technology may fit a specific case but also understands when to break the mold to adapt to real client needs.

Certification, a Confidence Booster for Recruiters… But for How Long?

Sure, it’s true that for many recruiters, certifications serve as a “stamp” of approval. It’s a quick way to check if a candidate has the basic knowledge. But the question is, how long does that stamp stay valid? In a tech world that moves as fast as ours, is a certification from a year ago still relevant today? Technologies evolve, and so do the tools we use.

What’s interesting is that even some employers are starting to realize that the value of certifications is limited. According to a Global Knowledge survey, 70% of surveyed employers prefer assessing a candidate’s practical skills through real projects or technical tests rather than relying solely on certifications. This shows that more and more, people are realizing that certification is just a starting point and not a guarantee of performance.

In Conclusion: Certification Is Good, But Not Enough

In the end, certification can be a useful tool for validating basic knowledge. But, just as owning an architect’s manual doesn’t make you an architect, a certification doesn’t make you an expert. What truly matters are practical skills, experience, and the ability to innovate.

So, should you get certified? Maybe, if you’re looking to pass that initial recruitment filter. But never forget that it’s just one tool among many. And what really matters is what you’re going to do with it once it’s in your hands.